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. 2023 May 17;13(1):7971.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-35180-x.

A multi-analytical approach to studying the chemical composition of typical carbon sink samples

Maria Luisa Astolfi  1   2 , Lorenzo Massimi  3   4 , Mattia Rapa  5 , Rita Rosa Plà  6 , Raquel Clara Jasan  6 , Mabel Beatriz Tudino  7 , Silvia Canepari  3   4 , Marcelo Enrique Conti  5
Affiliations

A multi-analytical approach to studying the chemical composition of typical carbon sink samples

Maria Luisa Astolfi et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Peatlands in southern South America (Tierra del Fuego region, TdF) play a key role in the ecological dynamics of Patagonia. It is, therefore, necessary to increase our knowledge and awareness of their scientific and ecological value to ensure their conservation. This study aimed to assess the differences in the distribution and accumulation of elements in peat deposits and Sphagnum moss from the TdF. Chemical and morphological characterization of the samples was carried out using various analytical techniques, and total levels of 53 elements were determined. Furthermore, a chemometric differentiation based on the elemental content of peat and moss samples was performed. Some elements (Cs, Hf, K, Li, Mn, Na, Pb, Rb, Si, Sn, Ti and Zn) showed significantly higher contents in moss samples than in peat samples. In contrast, only Mo, S and Zr were significantly higher in peat samples than in moss samples. The results obtained highlight the ability of moss to accumulate elements and to act as a means to facilitate the entry of elements into peat samples. The valuable data obtained in this multi-methodological baseline survey can be used for more effective conservation of biodiversity and preservation of the ecosystem services of the TdF.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of the study area in Argentina, South America. Locations of the sampling sites are marked in the detailed map of the north area of the Tierra del Fuego region (South Patagonia). Datum for geographical coordinates is based on the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) ellipsoid. Data map: Google, CNES/Airbus, Maxar Technologies, Airbus, TerraMetrics, Landsat/Copernicus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
HR-FESEM micrographs evidencing the presence of spheroidal metal particles in (a) peat and (b) Sphagnum moss samples.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Scores and loading plots of PCA on selected variables for C, H, N, O and S contents. Red: peat, blue: moss.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Scores and loading plots of PCA on selected variables for infrared spectra. Red: peat, blue: moss.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Scores and loading plots of PCA on selected variables for multi-elemental analysis. Red: peat, blue: moss.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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